Preschool education provides education and care for children and helps parents or guardians to improve the quality of life of their families. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is part of the education system and falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. Preschool education (International Standard Classification of Education Level 0) is for children aged 0 to 6. 

Preschool education can be organized in public or private preschool institutions and depending on the age of children, in nurseries and kindergarten groups, or it can be home-based. Children under the age of 3 years attend nursery groups, whereas children from the age of 3 years up to the age of entering primary school attend kindergarten groups.

The legal basis for home-based ECEC has been established, although this type of provision is not yet in place.